Industrial and organizational psychology (I/O psychology), which is also known as

occupational psychology, organizational psychology, work and organizational psychology, is an

applied discipline within psychology. I/O psychology is the science of human behavior relating to
work and applies psychological theories and principles to organizations and individuals in their
places of work as well as the individual's work-life more generally.[1] I/O psychologists are trained
in the scientist–practitioner model. They contribute to an organization's success by improving the
performance, motivation, job satisfaction, and occupational safety and health as well as the
overall health and well-being of its employees. An I/O psychologist conducts research on
employee behaviours and attitudes, and how these can be improved through hiring practices,
training programs, feedback, and management systems.[2]
I/O psychology was ranked the fastest growing occupation over the next decade according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ Occupational Outlook Handbook in 2014. It is estmated to grow 53%
with a mean salary of $109,030, with those at the top 10 percentile earning $192,150 for 2018.
As of 2018, I/O psychology is one of the 16 recognized specialties by the American Psychological
Association (APA) in the United States.[3] It is represented by Division 14 of the APA, and was
formally known as the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). In the United
Kingdom, industrial and organizational psychologists are referred to as occupational
psychologists. Occupational psychology in the UK is one of nine 'protected titles' within the
profession "practitioner psychologist" regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.[4] In
the UK, graduate programs in psychology, including occupational psychology, are accredited by
the British Psychological Society.
In Australia, the title organizational psychologist is protected by law, and regulated by the
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Organizational psychology is one of
nine areas of specialist endorsement for psychology practice in Australia.[5]
In Europe someone with a specialist EuroPsy Certificate in Work and Organisational Psychology
is a fully qualified psychologist and an expert in the work psychology field.[6] Industrial and
organizational psychologists reaching the EuroPsy standard are recorded in the Register of
European Psychologists and industrial and organizational psychology is one of the three main
psychology specializations in Europe.
In South Africa, industrial psychology is a registration category for the profession of psychologist
as regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)